Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8278-8279)
HealthBlood and blood diseasesHealth care coverage and accessMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMedicareNeurological disorders
Why This Matters
This bill directs Medicare to cover and pay for blood-based tests that detect early or pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Who this affects
Medicare enrollees · Test developers · Healthcare providers
What changes is this bill making?
1Expands Medicare coverage to include early detection screening tests for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias beginning January 1, 2028
2Requires tests to have federal clearance or approval under medical device regulations
3Specifies covered tests include blood-based genomic sequencing and similar methods such as single-analyte tests, cell-free nucleic acid analysis, multiplex panels, whole genome or exome sequencing, transcriptome or protein expression tests, and related imaging based on bodily samples
4Allows the Health and Human Services Secretary to approve other tests that provide comparable results
5Amends Medicare payment rules to reimburse these early detection screening tests
